Walkers complete charity challenge

Skegness Mayor, Coun George Saxon and Children in Need masot Pudsey Bear greeting B&Q employees James Tilly, James Brazier, David Peckham and James Cave and the end of the 45 mile charity walk.

Published:15:36Sunday 02 November 2014

Dragging their weary legs and worn boots four hardy hikers completed a two-day 45-mile charity walk from Lincoln to Skegness.

The team, who work at the B&Q DIY store in Skegness, tackled the arduous charity challenge to raise funds for BBC Children In Need.

Trading manager David Peckham, 41, was joined by customer assistants James Tilley, 21, Jamie Brazier, 22, and Jamie Cave, 20, on the trek from the chain’s Lincoln branch to B&Q warehouse on Wainfleet Road.

Receiving a heroes’ reception from staff and shoppers after completing the 15-hour trek ahead of schedule, the team were greeted by Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear and Skegness Mayor Coun George Saxon.

The walk raised about £500 and the store is aiming to reach a grand total of £1,500.

David said: “B&Q is a staunch supporter of BBC Children In Need and seeing the merchandise come in store prompted me to think about how I could raise some extra funds.

“Last September, I walked Hadrian’s Wall in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and as I love walking I thought I’d see if any of the guys from the store wanted to get involved. The three Jamies all jumped at the chance.

“We set off from the Lincoln store nice and early on Friday morning at about 7am, wearing our B&Q Children In Need aprons. It’s been a tough challenge and we’ve had some injuries along the way but the support from locals both here in Skegness and in Lincoln was tremendous. Children In Need is such a worthy cause that people are only too happy to support it.”

“If anyone still wants to donate, they simply have to pop into their nearest B&Q and leave a donation in one of the many buckets we have on display.”

B&Q is selling a range of BBC Children In Need items. All proceeds go to Children In Need, which holds its annual television extravaganza on Friday, November 14, on BBC1.